suspension systems
Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 14:02
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96655
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Member - Broodie H3
the question is air ride
suspension or lift kit, I need to get a little bit more ground clearance on my pathfinder, I don't realy need to go to a lift kit to give me a huge lift, but I do need at least a couple of inches because when you let the tyres down to 8psi in really soft sand I seem to be bulldozing the sand in front of me thus losing some momentum, also when the caravan is attached I have a hump at the top of my driveway that makes the caravan scrape the paving the stone guard that protects the plumbing at the front of the van. would an upgrade of springs do the job or should I put in a air ride variable
suspension as on the/ Range rover. any feed back would be a help. has anyone done the air
suspension.? Also with
suspension modifications does your fuel economy decrease?
Broodie H3
Reply By: Hairs & Fysh - Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 14:47
Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 14:47
You probably need both a slight body lift with a taller tyre wall size to lift the axles up.
My Cruiser which runs 31x10.5x15 will go most
places, what pulls me up is that the diffs stop me. Most newer 4wd's run 16" rims with taller side walls.
I find it hard to follow them through ruts and in their wheel tracks. If I had a taller side wall things would be better for me.
A body lift only lift the body on the chassis, the running gear is still at the same height.
A taller side wall lift the whole vehicle.
What size tyre fits under your guards and rub on full steering lock I have no idea, I'm sure someone will know what size tyre will suit your vehicle.
Hope this helps.
AnswerID:
490045
Reply By: GT Campers - Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 15:38
Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 15:38
If you are chasing a little bit of ride height increase, get a package of taller springs/dampers eg ARB/OME gear
You can't go too far with the Pathy due to its
suspension design - two inches is the practical and legal maximum
AnswerID:
490047
Follow Up By: GT Campers - Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 15:40
Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 15:40
H&F, body lift is not practical/possible with R51/D40 Nissan.. and it won't lift the axle line for easier running in sand
FollowupID:
765227
Follow Up By: Hairs & Fysh - Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 16:48
Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 16:48
Well there ya go, that cuts a body lift out.
FollowupID:
765231
Reply By: Mark C - Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 20:04
Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 20:04
I have had similar issues all though not as severe with my Prado. A 50mm
suspension lift and coil right air bags for towing the van made a vast difference.
AnswerID:
490075
Reply By: Wayne's 60 - Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 20:49
Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 20:49
Hi Broodie,
After market
Suspension ... all good from there ... and I have replied to your email.
"Also with
suspension modifications does your fuel economy decrease?"
One theory is that, there is more wind resistance on a vehicle that is sitting higher on its after market
suspension ............... that it is towing a block of flats as
well .... is totally irrelevant!
Cheers,
Wayne & Sally.
AnswerID:
490083
Follow Up By: GT Campers - Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 22:27
Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012 at 22:27
ha yeah I was gunna mention something about caravans/trailers and fuel use but decided to just shut up!
FollowupID:
765276
Follow Up By: Wayne's 60 - Wednesday, Jul 04, 2012 at 01:55
Wednesday, Jul 04, 2012 at 01:55
Hi GT,
lol!!
It is all a part of the equation ................. end of topic.
Cheers,
Wayne & Sally.
FollowupID:
765281
Follow Up By: Member - Broodie H3 - Wednesday, Jul 04, 2012 at 10:19
Wednesday, Jul 04, 2012 at 10:19
We do tow a rather large van 23 ft loa and weights in at 2.6 tonne fully loaded,and that's depending on how long we are going to be travelling, weekend or month, and average around 14.9 p/h klm, in the hilux it was about 16.5. which I think is quite good, and that depends on wind and terrain, and who's driving at the time.any way thanks for the information fella's and food for thought. I shall now go and talk to some of the guru's in the industry. once again thank you .
Broodie H3.
FollowupID:
765299